The United States ended up embroiled in multiple conflicts around the world while also navigating rising tensions with China, particularly over trade, as America tried to shore up its allies.
These conflicts also include escalating tensions resulting from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which has also raised concerns about nuclear war.
Amid these growing concerns, a US-based magazine issued, NewsweekI examined the impact of US nuclear weapons on the capitals of North Korea, Russia, and China, using maps created by Alex Wellerstein, a professor and historian of nuclear technology.
These maps helped assess the potential catastrophic impact if the B-83, the largest weapon currently in the US arsenal, were used in a nuclear attack.
According to the magazine’s analysis, everything within a 1.59-square-mile radius of the explosion — an area known as the “fireball radius” — would vaporize due to the intense heat.
Meanwhile, damage from the larger explosion of 67.7 square miles would destroy residential buildings and likely spark widespread fires.
Within 211 square miles of the blast, known as the thermal radiation radius, people could suffer third-degree burns, resulting in severe scarring and possible amputation.
Additionally, within the damage range of a mild blast, 535 square miles from the blast, glass windows are expected to shatter, potentially causing injuries.
But how will the explosion affect the capitals of North Korea, Russia and China?
Pyongyang, North Korea
In Pyongyang, an estimated 1,327,820 people will die while 1,105,660 people will suffer from injuries, according to estimates. Newsweek. In any 24-hour period in the city, an average of 3,177,764 people are in the mild blast range (1 psi) of a simulated detonation.
Moscow, Russia
In any 24-hour period in Moscow, an average of 10,222,930 people are in the mild blast range (1 psi) of a simulated detonation. About 1,374,840 will die and 3,747,220 will be infected.
Beijing, China
An estimated 1,548,460 people would die in Beijing, where on average there were 9,038,075 people within the mild blast range (1 psi) of simulated detonation in any 24-hour period. About 3,332,190 will suffer from injuries.